Fifteen miles south of Bayfield, Pine River Campground sits within San Juan National Forest along the banks of the Pine River. The US Forest Service manages this drive-in and walk-in facility, which prohibits pets and charges between $0-$18 per night. Basic toilets serve the campground, and alcohol is permitted on-site.
The riverside location provides access to water activities, while the forest setting offers shade and mountain views. Campers can explore campgrounds around Bayfield for additional options in the area. The campground's proximity to the river makes it suitable for those interested in fishing or cooling off during warmer months.
Description
Overview
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to__first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival__as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
Facilities
Campsites accommodate only tents or small RVs. All 6 campsites have views up the Pine River Valley. Private land adjoins the campground, with no public access to the river until three miles up the trail. There is no potable water.Although horses are not allowed in the__primitive campground, the Pine River Trailhead__has a parking area with a horse corral for overnight horse camping, as well as__hitching posts and a turn-around parking area for trailers.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Starting July 30th, 2026, fire restrictions are changing for the San Juan National Forest. Zone I Fire Restrictions drop from Stage II to Stage I. Zone II Fire Restrictions drop from Stage II to no restrictions. For maps and additional details, please visit the San Juan National Forest's webpage.Under Stage I Fire Restrictions in Zone I, the following are prohibited:
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire (including fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes), except if it is in: a. A permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the U.S. Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas); b. A device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off used in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device; or c. A fully enclosed metal stove with a chimney at least five feet in length and a mesh screen spark arrestor with a screen opening of a inch or less used in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 10 feet of the device.
- Using an explosive.
- Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle, building, or a developed recreation site.
- Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except if in a cleared area of at least 10 feet in diameter and a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8 oz. capacity and rating of Class 2A) is kept with the operator.
- Starting July 1, 2026 at 12:01am, Stage II Fire Prohibitions are in effect throughout the entire San Juan National Forest. The following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands of the San Juan National Forest:
- Building,maintaining,attending,orusingafire,campfire,charcoalbarbecue,orgrill,except ifusingadevicesolelyfueledbyliquidorgasthatcanbeturnedonandoffinanareabarren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device.
- Smoking,exceptinanenclosedvehicleorbuilding.
- Weldingoroperatinganacetyleneorothertorchwithopenflame.
- Usinganexplosive. See forest order below for more detail. Alert Start Date: July 1, 2026 Alert End Date: December 31, 2026 Rec Sites Affected: Columbine Ranger DistrictPagosa Ranger DistrictDolores Ranger District Order Number: 02-13-00-26-10
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPine River is located in Colorado near Bayfield
Public CampgroundCoordinates
37.446874 N
107.505863 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Toilets
- Alcohol
Drive Time
- 1 hr 39 min from Farmington, NM
- 3 hrs 52 min from Santa Fe, NM
- 4 hrs 4 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 4 hrs 4 min from Grand Junction, CO
